MISSISSIPPI IS FOR THINKERS


STEP 4 - APPLY FOR INSTITUTIONAL/PRIVATE AID

Scholarship Finder - Use the Scholarship Finder to find institutional and private aid. The search tool includes transfer scholarships and graduate school scholarships.

Institutional Aid
Most institutional aid is awarded through the admission process – there is not a separate application. So, check the college’s admissions office webpage for specific information about available aid.

Nontraditional Students Going Back to College: Admissions Offices

Transfer Students: Admissions Offices - Many colleges offer transfer scholarships for students who have excelled academically during the first two years of college.

Graduate Students: Admissions Offices - Many colleges and universities offer assistance for students in graduate programs. Be sure to ask about it.

Some colleges or universities do require a separate application for competitive scholarships. Be aware that such scholarship application deadlines usually come early in the year.

There are three main kinds of institutional aid:

  1. Academic – Academic scholarships are usually based on grades, test scores, or a combination of both. Students are generally required to maintain a certain GPA to keep academic scholarships.
  2. Athletic/Activity – Athletic/Activity scholarships are based on performance in sports or extracurricular activities (debate, etc.). These scholarships may be discontinued if the student stops playing the sport or participating in the activity.
  3. Foundation – Foundation scholarships are often based on criteria specified by the donor who established the scholarship. Such criteria may include gender, ethnicity/national origin, religion, anticipated major, county/town of residence, etc.

 NEW! Community College Tuition Guarantee Programs

Private Aid
Private aid is available through countless private foundations, businesses, organizations, clubs, religious groups, and individuals.

IMPORTANT STACKING NOTICE: Aid can often be "stacked" in such a way that small amounts of money from various places add up to cover your full tuition - and sometimes all the other fees and expenses. Look for all the little pots of money you can find, then start stacking.